“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:28-29)
It wasn’t just what Jesus said that amazed the people who heard Him. What He said was truly amazing, but how He said it was equally amazing. He spoke as One with authority. There was no doubt in His voice, no questioning whether or not what He said was right. He spoke as though He knew what He was talking about, because He did!
There are many in our world today who give honor to Jesus as the greatest teacher who ever lived. He was a great teacher, but the honor due Him does not come from the content of His teaching. The honor due Him comes from the underlying authority by which He spoke. Who is this One who could speak with such authority about such heavenly things?
At the conclusion of the transfiguration, while Jesus was speaking to the three apostles He had taken on the mount with Him something unique and awesome happened. “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5)
A voice from heaven -- the command of the Father Himself -- listen to what my Son is saying. Heaven is where Jesus’ authority came from! To listen is the proper response to what He says. The proper response is not to debate how wonderful His teaching is. It is not to decide whether or not to follow what He says. It is not to marvel at the teaching techniques He used. It is simply to hear what He says, and follow!
We live in a world without absolutes; at least that’s what many people say. Those of us who follow Jesus know differently! We follow the One with authority. Listen to Him!
His, by Grace,
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment